Overview of Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi
Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi is regarded as one of the most prominent Muslim scholars in mathematics and astronomy throughout Islamic history. He is known in the West as Albumasar, a Latinized version of his name. Many of his works were translated into Latin, gaining him recognition in Europe for his contributions to astronomy. Abu Ma’shar authored numerous texts covering subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, and meteorological phenomena.
Life of Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi
Abu Ma’shar, whose full name is Ja’far bin Muhammad bin ‘Umar al-Balkhi, was born around 787 AD in the city of Balkh, located in present-day Afghanistan. In his youth, he moved to Baghdad to pursue knowledge, residing on the western side of the city near Bab Khorasan. Initially, he focused on the sciences of Hadith and was a critic of the philosopher Al-Kindi, but he later shifted his studies to the science of stars and their interpretations.
In addition to his astronomical studies, Abu Ma’shar also explored history, particularly the narratives of the Persians, and excelled in astrology. He became associated with Al-Muwaffaq, the brother of Al-Mu’tazid, serving as his astrologer. He was present in Basra during the siege of the Zanj. It is reported that he suffered from epilepsy, which ultimately led to his death in 886 AD at about the age of 99 in the city of Wasit, now located in Iraq.
Works of Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi
Abu Ma’shar authored approximately 40 works, among which the following are the most notable:
- The Great Introduction to the Science of Stellar Judgments.
- The Book of Rules for the Transits of Birth Years.
- The Book of Dream Interpretation from Stars.
- The Book of Births of Men and Women.
- The Book of Thousands in Houses of Worship.
- The Book of the Conjunctions of the Two Benefics in Cancer.
- The Book of the Collection.
- The Great Zij (Astronomical Table).
- The Minor Zij.
- The Great Book of Births.
- The Minor Book of Births.
- The Book of Selections.
- The Book of Rain, Winds, and Changing Climates.
- The Book of Lights.
- The Book of Regions.
- The Book of Arrows and the Lifespans of Kings and States.
- The Book of Temperaments.
Translation of Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi’s Works
Among his most significant texts is “The Great Introduction to the Science of Stellar Judgments,” commonly referred to as “The Great Introduction,” which he composed in 848 AD. This influential work was first translated into Latin in 1133 AD by the translator John of Seville, becoming known in the West as “Introduction to Astronomy.” A second, more concise and literary version was produced by Hermann of Dalmatia in 1140 AD, titled “The Great Communications.”
In 1962, scholar Jadel Lemaire noted that Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi’s writings were a primary source for the reform of Aristotelian science among European scholars during the Middle Ages, particularly before the mid-12th century. Hermann’s translation was first printed in 1489, followed by several reprints in Venice in 1506 and 1515.